Cupid to the Rescue: A Tail-Wagging Valentine's Day Anthology

by Lisa Mondello

  "A hard time? Yeah, I'm having a hard time. Marse, it's not too late. Go out there and… I don't know, tell them you used to date but you broke up," Mac ordered. "Tell them it's over. Say that photo circulating on the internet is just of two friends. End this mess before it gets crazier than it already is and you wind up getting hurt."

  Marsali looked up at Oliver, and he could read the indecision and doubt in her eyes. Maybe he should let her off the hook. Mac's idea could be enough to help her salvage her career.

  It would be simpler.

  Probably safer.

  She'd get the benefit of his name and the free press and save face when it came to her book and matchmaking service. "They'll see right through that," he said instead. "Know it's a lie."

  He pushed the limits with that statement, but he wasn't going to willingly give up what might be his only chance to date Marsali.

  She inhaled and sighed and once more he found her leaning against him. This time it was of her own accord and he welcomed the weight of her and the awareness that it came out of trust.

  She trembled against him and he hated the toll this was having on her. Stress was never a good thing.

  "Mac, I can't do that."

  A low curse came from the other side of the room before Mac stalked toward the front door and slammed out of the house.

  Oliver pulled Marsali close and cradled her against his chest, breathing in the coconut scent of her hair.

  "I'm sorry," she whispered.

  "For what?"

  "Coming between you and Mac. He isn't going to forgive this easily."

  Oliver tightened his hold on her. "He'll get over it eventually. It's fine."

  "It's not fine. If you were smart, you'd go back to California."

  "It would be hard to date you from there."

  "I'm still not sure this is wise."

  "If you're hesitant because of Mac, don't worry. We'll sort it out."

  "You're going to get tired of Mac and my family hating on you, and of the hassle I've brought into your life. You're going to wonder why you ever agreed to do this in the first place. Maybe it would be better if we said it was over."

  He tucked his hand under her chin and lifted it so he could see her beautiful eyes, so full of worry and regret and apprehension. "Either way, I'm not leaving you to face it alone."

  Oliver lowered his head and sealed the promise with a kiss that left blood rushing through his veins as her fingers tightened on his arms, her short nails digging lightly into his skin. He kept things light and easy, careful of the bruise at the corner of her mouth.

  She ended the "practice" kiss far too soon for his liking, and he realized she'd heard the cell phone ringing from the kitchen counter whereas he'd tuned it out.

  "That's my parents. Again."

  Her voice sounded low and raspy and everything he'd dreamed it would be after a moment like they'd just shared. He pressed another kiss to her full lips before releasing her and backing up a step. He liked that her cheeks were filled with hot color, eyes dark. She wasn't as unmoved by the kiss as she tried to appear. "Are you going to answer it?"

  She'd stood there staring at him as though unable to decide, and he liked that he got to her. She got to him, too.

  Marsali snatched the phone off the charge cord and swiped a finger across the screen.

  "Mama, hang on a sec."

  She kept going toward the hallway and the half bath beyond. "Marsali," Oliver called after her, "keeping the plan secret is the only way it will work."

  He watched as her shoulders sank as she shut the door.

  The Matchmaker’s Secret: Chapter 5

  Marsali propped herself on the closed lid of the toilet and took a fortifying breath before lifting the phone to her ear. "Hi, Mama."

  "Marsali! Honey, what is going on? Your brother called and said— Well, I'm not sure I understood what he said, he was talking so fast, but he confirmed that you and Oliver are dating? When did this happen? Why haven't you said anything?"

  "It's… complicated, Mama. I'm sorry. I-I should've called you back last night but things have been… Well, things have been crazy."

  "Mac said Oliver is there right now?"

  Marsali winced. "Yes, he is."

  "Marsali, honey, you know we love you and respect you, but are you sure about a relationship with him?"

  "Um."

  "I mean, there's the coast-to-coast distance and his fame… the women who throw themselves at him. You've seen the videos of his appearances. Oliver is a wonderful man, but that's a lot of stress on top of regular relationship conflicts."

  "Mama, I… I really don't want to talk about it right now, okay? I just wanted to answer and say I'm okay and I'll… talk to you later. Maybe tonight. Or tomorrow."

  "Marsali, are you okay? You don't sound like yourself."

  Her mother had always been able to read her tone like a psychic with a working crystal ball. The kind of insight that came from too many years as a psychologist, no doubt. "I'm fine. I'm just tired. I didn't sleep well last night."

  "I imagine it wasn't easy having your relationship become public as it did."

  "No. Mama—"

  "I know, you have to go. But know I'm here if you want to talk. Always. And just so you're aware, there are a couple of reporters here, too."

  Oh, no. "Don't talk to them. Please. Oliver and I will… We'll make a statement or something soon."

  "Okay. We won't."

  "I love you," Marsali said, wondering why she didn't just tell her mother the truth and get it over with. Of all people, her mother would probably be the most understanding of how things had gotten out of hand.

  But then, her mother would also have to comment on the reasons why Marsali had publicly named Oliver and that… that was something Marsali wasn't ready to delve into just yet. In this instance, the less her parents knew, the better, because either way, they'd worry the way parents did.

  "I love you, too."

  Marsali said goodbye and ended the call but remained in the bathroom. She needed to make a firm decision. Was she really going to go through with Ollie's plan?

  Do you want to be able to pay your bills?

  She hurried to open an app on her phone and clicked on Eliza’s name. I’m okay. Insane but okay. Can’t give details but I’ll explain when you get back from your cruise. Enjoy and don’t worry! HAVE FUN!

  There. Maybe that would at least keep Eliza from jumping ship the first chance she could just to find out what was going on instead of enjoying her honeymoon. The last thing Marsali wanted to do was ruin it.

  A soft knock at the door drew her attention.

  "Marsali, you okay in there?" Oliver asked.

  "Yeah."

  "You coming out?"

  "Do I have to?"

  She heard Oliver's low, sexy chuckle through the door.

  "How about you go get ready and we'll head out for lunch somewhere."

  She froze, the phone biting in her hand where she gripped it so hard. "You want to go out?"

  "Marsali, open the door."

  She rolled her eyes at his insistence on face-to-face conversation but did as ordered. Once the door was opened, Oliver took a step back.

  "Did you tell your parents the truth?"

  "No."

  "Why didn't you?"

  She stopped when he braced an arm against the wall, blocking her way to the living room.

  "I don't know. I just… couldn't. I didn't want them to think badly of me for cracking under pressure."

  "That wouldn't happen."

  "Yeah, well, I'm not so sure. They're both very successful in their fields. They give talks and lectures and interviews. I don't recall either one of them panicking on television."

  "Anyone in your shoes might've done the same thing. The host seemed pretty good at stirring up drama."

  "You can say that again. But I bet you would've kept your cool. I saw your last interview. When the host asked if you were single or taken or what, you just smile
d and let them wonder. Why didn't I do that? Why do people think if you're unattached, you can't be good at doing what I do?"

  "I don't know. But we're going to make this okay."

  "Lying is not okay, but I can't bring myself to face them now."

  "You don't have to. And it's not lying when we care for each other."

  "Misleading them, then. Whatever you call it, it isn't honest."

  "Mm. Now there's where you're wrong because what I feel for you is. Is that not true for you?"

  Maybe that's what held her back. Could she do this, pretend and not fall for him in truth? Would her teenage crush and… and admiration bring stronger feelings? "Yes, but that doesn't mean I want you and Mac angry with each other because you both feel honor bound to protect me. He's angry, Ollie. Really angry."

  "He just needs to let off some steam. No big brother likes the idea of his little sister kissing his best friend."

  The flood of color made her feel hot and decidedly uncomfortable, but she couldn't deny the statement. "But it's fake," she repeated softly, refusing to admit the reminder was for herself.

  "You're still his kid sister."

  "Yeah, well, at the very least, he shouldn't think badly of you when I put this mess into motion. We should tell him. Mac wouldn't reveal the secret. I mean, hopefully we won't have to pretend for long but—"

  "Let's wait and see then. Right now we have to take the next step."

  "Which is?"

  "We go out and be seen. Now that it's 'official,' it's time to be the couple about town."

  "Do we have to?" When he gave her that look of his, she rolled her eyes and groaned. "I know, I know."

  "Is the thought of dating me that bad?"

  "Of course not." Because honestly? She'd dreamed about it for years, which was no doubt why she'd blurted out his name and brought apocalyptic disaster upon them.

  "Good. So how about we give those reporters something to write about?"

  The Matchmaker’s Secret: Chapter 6

  Oliver held Marsali's quivering hand ten minutes later as they exited the house to a firestorm of shutter clicks and questions. He wanted to compliment her on the fact most women he knew would've taken at least an hour to prep for this event despite already being dressed and ready for the day but kept his comments to himself because he felt Marsali would slide into comparison mode again.

  "Oliver! Oliver, any plans for filming more in Wilmington to spend time with Marsali?"

  "Marsali, what's it like dating one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors?"

  "Oliver, are you angry that Marsali leaked the news of your dating?"

  He squeezed her hand gently before fitting her to his side and pausing outside of the passenger door of her vehicle. "Guys, give us some space, okay? We'll answer questions but back off a little." He glanced down at Marsali and lowered his head to kiss the top of hers. "Smile," he said for her ears only. "Give them what they want."

  Marsali's arm tightened at his waist and she glanced up at him with those amazing eyes, giving him a shy smile that sent the cameras whirling.

  "Oliver, exactly how long have you been dating?"

  "When did things change between you?"

  "What's it like dating the author of a dating guide for good girls after the women in Hollywood?"

  The last question brought a round of chuckles from the reporters gathered around them, and Oliver knew not to touch that one with a ten-foot pole. "Okay, so, let me take a stab at some of those. Uh, no, I'm not upset with Marsali. She was under a lot of pressure, and Gwen had that photo cued up, so it would've come out one way or another. Marsali and I have been close ever since her brother and I met freshman year in college, so it's just been a natural progression, I think," he said, smiling down at her and squeezing her side to urge her to nod, which she did.

  "So you were dating when you last filmed in Wilmington? Was Marsali the reason for filming here?"

  "Wilmington has a lot of potential for the film industry, but Marsali was definitely a bonus."

  "Marsali, how are book sales? Since the news of your relationship was made public, have they gone up?"

  "I don't know."

  "You haven't checked?"

  "No, I haven't."

  "What about your clients? Are you getting busier now that the news is out you've snagged one of Hollywood's most elusive? Pretty good news for a matchmaker, right?"

  "Um, calls have increased but—"

  "Marsali is gifted when it comes to helping people find their special someone," Oliver said. "She always has been. If you know her history, she's been setting people up with successful matches since high school, and I'm glad she's finally getting recognition for her talents. Now, as much as we'd love to stand here, we're hungry. Guys, do me a favor and give us a break, okay? Dating is hard enough without all of you messing with my game."

  A low chuckle ran through the reporters.

  "Can we get personal interviews if we back off?" one of them asked.

  Oliver opened the passenger door of Marsali's older-model Mercedes SUV but paused at the question. "Sure. Contact my agent to set things up. Just give us some time to get used to being public, okay?"

  Marsali got into the vehicle, and he closed the door, lifting his hand to wave at the group and giving yet another photo op as he moved around the front to drive. It took him a moment to adjust the seat to fit his longer legs. "Keep smiling," he said to Marsali. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

  "They asked about my book sales and clients."

  "Let them. Take advantage of the moment while it lasts."

  "You're okay with that? They insinuated I'm using you to increase my business."

  He started the engine. "So long as I know the truth, what does it matter?"

  "It matters to me. It reflects badly on me and I don't like it."

  Oliver shifted in the seat and stretched a hand across the expanse, letting it settle on her nape under the thick warmth of her hair. He lightly gripped her and urged her toward him.

  "What are you— Now?"

  "Yes," he said, aware of the attention his behavior was getting from the reporters outside.

  "I'm not sure I'm ready for this."

  "The best thing to do," he said, closing the last bit of distance between them, "is dive in with both lips."

  Shameless. That's what the voice in his head called him as Oliver used the situation to his advantage and kissed Marsali, not for the reporters or the attention it would bring, not even to help her, but because he wanted to. Now that he could touch her, kiss her, it was all he wanted to do.

  He hoped that desire would never go away, and yet he knew he'd wish the opposite once their make-believe romance was over and he had to go back to just being her friend. For now, though, he'd take whatever contact he could get. Even though doing so probably meant another punch—or five—from Mac.

  By the time he lifted his head, he'd forgotten all about the cameras in the windows snapping away.

  Marsali ducked her head and let her wild curls shield her face, and he put the car in reverse with a light honk of the horn.

  He backed into the street and pulled away, noting that the majority of the reporters had gone to their vehicles parked along the street and appeared to be leaving. Between answering the questions and the kiss, they had something to run with for now. "Are you hungry?"

  "No. All of this has me so nervous I've lost my appetite."

  "Not even for the best burger in town?" He chuckled when she released a soft moan of appreciation for their favorite hangout.

  "That actually does sound good, but how are we possibly going to eat in public? You'll be swarmed."

  "You have to resign yourself and use it to your advantage. It'll disappear on its own fast enough once the novelty wears off." He'd much rather spend a quiet day alone with Marsali, but under the circumstances, that was as fictional as their dating status.

  The drive to their favorite burger place took half the time it did during the tourist sea
son. Their timing couldn't have been better, either, because they'd just missed the lunch rush. The guy behind the counter took their order without so much as a blink of recognition, but during the walk to their chosen table, Oliver heard a few whispers.

  "People are staring," Marsali said.

  "Does it bother you?"

  "It's definitely not something I'm used to."

  He held her chair for her and quickly settled himself into the seat opposite her. "Tell me about your new book deal. What's it about?"

  She pursed her lips and shifted in her seat while removing her jacket.

  "Do you need help?"

  "No. I've got it, thanks. And the book deal—if I get it—is about maintaining the spark during a relationship. So many people see engagement or marriage as the end of romance. They've won the other person, so that's it. Done. My book idea talks about a woman's need for security and communication and all the forms that takes, as well as a man's needs in a relationship and how to keep the romance alive."

  "So, love languages. That sort of thing?"

  "You've read that book?"

  "You recommended it, so, yeah. I did. And you make that sound far too easy to comprehend."

  "It can be if the person is motivated to learn and wants his or her spouse to be happy."

  "Motivation is good but I think the average guy would beg to differ on how easy that is."

  "Oh? Why is that?"

  He leaned toward her, taking in her sparkling eyes and beautiful face. He'd hoped the change in topic would get her mind off of the reporters and her family and all the chaos of her life right now, and it seemed to have worked. Marsali loved what she did, and she lit up a room when she talked about it. "Because the average guy doesn't think that way. Men aren't as complicated as women seem to want them to be."

  "Men may not be complicated, but women are. And it's not just learning what women want but vice versa. If you have suggestions, I'd be happy to hear them."

  "I hesitate to speak for all men, but I do believe women are more in tune with such things. It's easier for you."

  "Maybe. But that's my point. Men can be just as tuned in if they're committed to getting to know someone on more than a physical level, and in doing so, it helps solidify a relationship and a deeper intimacy that keeps things interesting."